1998 Ford Focus vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 24 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1169 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 94 L |
